Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.

Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.

Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

Summary

The longer the time since the end of treatment, the more likely that you will be able to resume all of your former activities. For some people, there will always be remnants of the cancer or treatment that create some limitations.

Indications are that colorectal cancer does not affect a person’s career long term.

Don’t be surprised if your self confidence is shaken after treatment ends or you temporarily can’t work as long hours as you used to either physically or emotionally.

The period right after treatment ends may be particularly difficult.

People who have been through treatment for colorectal cancer recommend taking a few days or weeks off from work. You have been through a difficult period. You will see a similar recommendation in the information in our document about dealing with your emotional health in the first months post treatment.

If you haven't disclosed your health condition at work, consider whether to do so now. There is no legal obligation to disclose but it may be wise as a practical matter. For instance, it may be better to explain frequent trips to the toilet instead of leaving people guessing. The Survivorship A to Z document about disclosure to employers and the document about disclosure to co-workers discusses this issue in depth.

If you did disclose your condition and that you underwent treatment, supervisors and co-workers, like friends, will expect that you will be back to normal after treatment ends. If you are experiencing any effects that impact your job, educate your employer and co-workers about the continuing effects of treatment. For instance, if you had chemotherapy and are experiencing what is known as "Chemo Brain", you may need longer deadlines, or even assistance from co-workers to do some tasks. (For tips for dealing with Chemo Brain, click here).

If you need a change at work because of emotional or physical needs to help you do your job (an “accommodation”), you may legally be entitled to one under the law or as a member of a union. Even if you aren't legally entitled to an accommodation under laws such as the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), negotiate for one. After all, if you don't get the accommodation your job performance may suffer and your job may be at risk for non-performance. Survivorship A to Z shows you how. Click here. One accommodation to consider is working at home.

You may be legally protected against discrimination at work by laws such as the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Discrimination is hard to prove. For instance, just because a person doesn't get a raise or a job promotion does not necessarily mean that there was discrimination.

Start keeping a Work Journal which includes conversations or actions that you think could indicate that you are being discriminated against.

Also include in your journal the good things that happen, such as a good work report, or when someone compliments you for a job well done.

If you start to run into problems, see the section of this document: What To Do If You Run Into Problems At Work. (Link to the new section below).

If you need time off because of your health, juggle what the time is called to maximize employer's benefits. Note that under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) which provides time off without income, the time off does not have to be continuous. It can be in blocks of time, or it can be intermittent, such as taking time to go to a medical appointment. If you need time off due to health, our document shows you how to maximize benefits. Click here.

Start planning “just in case” there is a recurrence or something else happens. Because of your health history, you are at increased risk of a recurrence or developing another cancer. See the section of this document “Plan Ahead ‘Just In Case”.

Is it time for a change? It is not unusual for people who have gone through treatment for colorectal cancer to reevaluate what is important, including wanting a different kind of satisfaction at work or a different balance between work and play - while doing whatever is necessary to keep or obtain good health insurance coverage. You may even want to become self employed or start your own business. (For tips, click here about starting a new business, click here.)

What could happen in the future is not a reason to prevent you from pursuing your dream.

If you are not satisfied with your job, or want to earn more money or get better benefits, job lock because of a health condition is a thing of the past.

A new employer cannot ask about your health history or current health condition.

Your current health insurance counts as a credit against any waiting period a new employer's health insurance imposes on new hires for preexisting conditions thanks to a law known as HIPAA.

Unless you were thinking about making a big change in your work before your diagnosis, don’t make any big changes for at least 6 months after the end of treatment. Give your emotions time to settle. (For more about feelings to expect after end of treatment, click here.)

NOTE:

If you are returning to work after being off work because of your treatment, read about returning to work in the Survivorship A to Z document: "On Disability."

If you are a small business owner with one or more employee, click here.